Milwaukee Cordless Lithium-Ion Grease Gun

The Milwaukee 2446-20 Cordless Lithium-Ion Grease Gun has quickly become my go-to tool for equipment maintenance. As someone who regularly deals with heavy machinery that demands frequent greasing, I was on the lookout for a reliable, efficient, and user-friendly grease gun. This tool checks off almost all the boxes and has made my maintenance routines significantly smoother.

Build and Design

First impressions are important, and the Milwaukee grease gun doesn’t disappoint. It’s well-built and feels sturdy in hand. The tool is compact at 14 inches in length and weighs just 7.2 lbs, making it easy to handle, even in tight spaces. The 36-inch hose is a boon, allowing me to reach difficult-to-access fittings without much hassle. One of the thoughtful design features is the integrated hose storage, which keeps the hose neatly tucked away and prevents it from getting damaged or dirty. However, this convenience is slightly offset by the fact that the tool, with the hose stored, doesn’t fit easily back into its carrying case.

Performance

Performance-wise, this grease gun delivers impressively. The 12-volt motor generates up to 8,000 PSI, making it more than capable of dealing with stubborn fittings that require high pressure. The REDLITHIUM™ Battery Technology is another highlight, providing robust performance and longevity. I found that I could dispense up to seven grease cartridges on a single charge, which is more than adequate for a day's work.

Priming the tool initially was a bit of a challenge, but once I got past that, it worked flawlessly. The grease gun’s air bleeder valve also comes in handy for quick flow adjustments, ensuring that the tool operates smoothly without any hiccups. Another feature I appreciated is the onboard fuel gauge, which lets me keep an eye on the battery status, avoiding unexpected downtime.

Ease of Use

Using the Milwaukee grease gun is straightforward. The trigger mechanism allows for precise control, making it easy to meter the grease flow into the fittings. This is particularly useful when dealing with delicate components like sealed ball joints and tie rod ends, where over-greasing can cause damage. The soft-start motor ramps up gradually, providing better control over the greasing process.

One downside is that the tool can become quite oily over time, as grease tends to ooze from various parts of the gun. This is somewhat expected with any grease gun, but it’s worth mentioning for those who prefer a cleaner workspace. A fitted plastic case could have mitigated this issue, but unfortunately, Milwaukee hasn’t provided one.

Battery Life

The battery life is another strong point. Even with a 3Ah battery, I could complete multiple greasing tasks without needing a recharge. For extended use, I’d recommend upgrading to a 4Ah or even a 6Ah battery, which would further extend the runtime and make the tool even more efficient for larger jobs.

Durability and Reliability

Durability is often a concern with power tools, but the Milwaukee grease gun holds up well. It’s designed to withstand rough handling and still perform reliably. The five-year limited warranty is a testament to the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s longevity. I’ve used the tool in various conditions, including very cold temperatures, and it has consistently performed without any issues.

Areas for Improvement

While the Milwaukee grease gun excels in many areas, it’s not without its flaws. Some users might find the initial priming process cumbersome. Additionally, the grease tube threading can be problematic in some units, which could be a significant inconvenience when out in the field. Another minor gripe is the lack of a sight glass for easy lubricant identification, which would have been a useful feature.

Practical Application

In practical terms, this grease gun is a game-changer for anyone involved in regular equipment maintenance. Whether you’re a professional mechanic, a farmer, or a DIY enthusiast, the Milwaukee grease gun can significantly reduce the time and effort required for greasing tasks. Its compact size and lightweight build make it easy to maneuver, and the high-pressure output ensures that even the most stubborn fittings are adequately greased.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Milwaukee 2446-20 Cordless Lithium-Ion Grease Gun is a highly effective and reliable tool that offers excellent performance and ease of use. Its robust build, impressive battery life, and thoughtful design features make it a valuable addition to any toolkit. While it has some minor shortcomings, these are easily outweighed by its numerous advantages.

I wholeheartedly recommend this grease gun to anyone looking for a dependable, high-performance tool for their greasing needs. It’s an investment that will pay off in saved time, reduced effort, and improved maintenance efficiency. Whether you’re greasing heavy machinery or smaller equipment, this tool is more than capable of handling the job with ease and precision.